T he Le acock FoundaT ion

The Faces of LeacockReport to Donors 2011

Our MissionInspiring and empowering youth in need through educational and leadership opportunities.

Our VisionTo create, sustain and replicate a unique educational model which partners local and global communities for the benefit of their children.

The Leacock Foundation believes that a good education is the best defence against poverty, both here in Canada and in the developing world. Children everywhere deserve the chance to achieve their full potential and without exception, these opportunities start at school.

Who We AreOur beginnings date back twenty years to a community service club celebrating the spirit of camaraderie and a desire to help children. Today, The Leacock Foundation continues to grow and thrive working with children and communities in high needs areas in Toronto and South Africa. Through our Triangle of Hope model, we aim to empower children to reach their potential and to become leaders in their community.

Triangle of HopeThree distinct school partners engage in an educational partnership

• High- needs Toronto Public School

• High-needs school in the Eastern Cape of South Africa

• Toronto Independent School

School partners seek opportunities to unite their communities on a local and global level by participating in various Triangle of Hope programs.

HIGH-NEEDS SCHOOL IN TORONTO

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IN TORONTO

HIGH-NEEDS SCHOOL IN

SOUTH AFRICA

Meet Peter OliverPresident of The Leacock Foundation

When I formed The Leacock Foundation in 1992 my mission was to create a group of like-minded individuals who wanted to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children, both here in Toronto and in the developing world. The reason for doing so was simple- I felt, and still feel, that if we ourselves had the opportunity to succeed, then we also have a duty to help others.

Unfortunately, life does not occur on a level playing field. The children for whom the Leacock Foundation was created are children who have already started off ten steps behind simply because they do not have access to the things my children took for granted – books to read, camps, after school sports, cultural activities and expectations of success. Many families are barely getting by, and if there are extra resources, they are allocated to life’s necessities.

Without question the best way to change a child’s life is through education. Our programs work to inspire and empower youth in need through education and leadership opportunities. Our signature model the Triangle of Hope connects an independent school in Toronto with a high needs school in the GTA and a high needs school in South Africa. This innovative

model provides each point of the triangle with resources, inspiration, leadership, learning, and enriched educational opportunities. Our programs keep kids engaged in learning. An engaged child has more self-esteem, more confidence, and can envision a brighter future for themselves. The alternative is depressing. Gangs, guns, and drugs, all prey on children who are adrift and without purpose and the consequences of this to society are immense.

I am extremely proud of the progress the Leacock Foundation is making both here in Toronto and in South Africa. Our work changes the trajectory of a child’s life – if they can envision a brighter future – they will create a brighter future – and when that happens - we all win.

Meet Mark DamelinChairman of The Leacock Foundation

I will not forget what my father said to me not long before he died. During our last moments together in South Africa, I asked him how he was feeling. He replied: “I love helping people and I just can’t do that anymore.”

For me, The Leacock Foundation is the fulfillment of my father’s legacy and his implicit words of encouragement to me to carry on his work of helping others in need.

A chance encounter with Peter Oliver three years ago provided me with the perfect opportunity to give back to both South Africa and Canada. In South Africa, the land of my birth, I received a world-class education. Canada, my adoptive country and home of my family, afforded me every opportunity to realize my potential as a human being and professional.

I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such warm, caring and committed people – Leacock donors, volunteers, staff and board members - and I look forward to many more years of helping young people realize their potential in South Africa and Canada.

Meet Rachel

“In all of the programs that I’ve participated in with Leacock, I’ve always been especially moved by the moments of pride that I get to share with my students. I think that the small class sizes create an opportunity for students to receive one-on-one attention which in turn gives every student a chance to stand out and be recognized!”

Administration

Fundraising, Marketing & Events

TOH Programs

Rachel brings a unique perspective to the Triangle of Hope programs. Rachel has not

only travelled to South Africa as a Canadian Volunteer to work at Get Ahead, but she

has also worked at the Woburn Leap into Literacy Summer Camp and the Woburn

Saturday Morning program.

“Teaching in South Africa was such a unique experience and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity. I arrived towards the end of the school year and worked with Kindergarten to grade three classes to assess reading levels. I also worked in small groups with grade 3 learners to improve their oral fluency and reading comprehension.

The learners and teachers at the school were warm and welcoming and one of my favourite parts of the day was playing outside with the learners after school. I really felt like I made some personal connections with the kids that way.

I was also fortunate enough to be there in time for the Christmas Concert and the College Music Night; two of my more memorable moments at The Get Ahead Project School in Queenstown (QGAP).”

My experience in the sister circles was undoubtedly one of the most impactful parts of the trip for me, as I formed bonds with not only my own sister Nasiphi, but all of the “sisters” who participated in the program from the QGAP side. I distinctly remember being nervous before the fi rst time we were going to meet our “sisters”, however there was an instant connection formed within the group, and we could tell that we would be creating bonds with these girls that would last a lifetime. Th e program allowed us a glimpse into the daily lives of girls our own age living halfway across the world, and we were surprised with the commonalities we had, especially in pop culture. I, along with almost all of the other Canadian “sisters” have remained in touch with our South African “sisters”, mainly through Facebook and other social networking websites, and it’s an amazing way to continue that bond with these girls that became some of our best friends within such a short period of time.

Meet PreetBranksome Hall, Grade 11 student

Th e service trip to South Africa was a phenomenal, eye-opening experience. It was a unique community service trip as we had a lot of fi rst-hand experience working with the younger students as well as time spent with students are own age, our “sisters”.

This trip has most definitely had a lasting impact on me, as I reflect on the experiences I had and memories I created so often. The history of South Africa that I learnt about, the phenomenal experience I had teaching for four days, the stronger relationships I formed with the girls who came with me on the trip, and the lifelong connections I formed with all sixteen of my sisters - it is all part of an amazing experience.

“I was inspired to get involved with The Leacock Foundation as my

husband and I we’re already invested in the Jane-Finch community.

Leacock, is an organization with focus, that is making an impact on

a large scale. I feel so privileged to be giving both time and money to

this important community. Through my involvement with Leacock,

I can help to build an organisation that has a real impact on so

many children. This is even more important to me now, that our

children are 7 and 4, and we realise what a fortunate life they lead.

It is the least I can do to help give other children similar advantage,

and education is their best bet.“

Meet SuzannaChair, Young Professionals of Leacock (YPL)

What is the YPL?The Young Professionals of Leacock (YPL) is a socially and philanthropically minded group of urban professionals, aged 20-45, who believe that education is the best defence against poverty.

“We have tremendous passion and a drive to make a difference, and we have a track record of doing so. We are grounded, yet single-mindedely focused on building an organisation that will have an impact in the years to come. “

Benefits of Membership• Access to one of the best professional networks in Toronto (YPL and Leacock Club Members)

• Informative member events with guest speakers

• Exclusive invitations to Foundation events

• Recognition as an annual YPL member on the Foundation website

• And much more

Why should people get involved with YPL?Many of us are busy with young families and big jobs, and can’t find the time to give back in a meaningful way, yet feel the need to do so since we realise we live very privileged lives. In addition, many of us grew up volunteering time in the community, and continue to have a desire to do so, but have trouble finding the right fit, or place to get involved. With YPL there is lots of flexibility to get involved - any bit of time or money, however big or small, has a huge impact.

Margaret Whewall has visited the Get Ahead community five times. As a retired kindergarten teacher she has been a huge asset working with the preschool children in their previously cramped classroom and then helping set up the new preschool that was just completed early this year.

This new building provides plenty of space for GAP’s youngest learners and the new space has allowed the teacher to organize centres in the classroom. Centres are a fantastic way to engage young learners as well as to encourage independent thinking. The children can

now choose from play-dough, crafts, the house, blocks, writing, books, puzzles, etc and are free to move from centre to centre once their task is completed.

The brand new pre-school not only has a fantastic indoor learning space, but an outdoor one as well. It consists of a huge jungle gym, sand boxes with awnings for protection from the intense sunshine as well as plenty of field area for the children to play soccer, frisbee, jump rope, etc. There is also a circular paved area that is used for riding scooters which is a favourite of everyone, even me!

During Margaret’s time in South Africa she started a “Little Garden” where the children are responsible for taking care of flowers and vegetables. Thina, a preschool student became very interested in what Margaret was doing while she was watering a planter filled with petunias. After several conversations Thina offered to help take care for the two planters while Margaret was back home in Canada. Thina now waters them and picks off the dead leaves every few days. This is a responsibility that Thina takes most seriously.

“Young children need room to move in order to make learning work for them.”

Meet Margaret

Meet ShareenMeet Shareen

As camp director at Derrydown’s LEAP into Literacy Summer Camp for two years, Shareen has personally witnessed the positive impact of this literacy program on the lives of the students. She has seen the students flourish both academically and socially as the program focuses on improving literacy, social and technological skills, as well as providing meaningful learning experiences outside of the classroom.

“I first heard about the LEAP into Literacy Summer Camp during my first year of teaching at Derrydown P.S. It was September many of my grade 4 and 5 students were writing about their summer vacation. “I went to the summer literacy camp and I had the best time EVER!” wrote one student. “I went to the LEAP into Literacy Summer Camp and I loved it so much but I miss the volunteers,” wrote another. Many of the reflections about this mysterious camp listed all the wonderful things they had done there. When I asked the students about their experience, they excitedly explained to me that they had attended the LEAP into Literacy Summer Camp told me how amazing it had been. Their eyes lit up with excitement and it was at this moment that I knew I had to be part of this very powerful program.”

Throughout July, the campers engaged in learning experiences ranging from hands-on scientific experiments, reading and writing activities, co-operative group activities, and field trips. Through the generous donation of our partner school, Havergal College, the students had the opportunity to work with iPads and build their skills and confidence through technology. In our ever-changing society, it is imperative that we prepare our students for these technological advances. The LEAP into Literacy Summer Camp provides our students with the skills and knowledge to create and navigate through technological programs with confidence and ease while building on their literacy skills.

Memorable interaction from the summer:

“One of the campers thanked me for the opportunity to attend camp and proceeded to tell me that without camp, she would have to stay home and take care of her mother who was very ill. As she thanked me she cried and said, “When I am at camp, I forget about how sick my mom is. When I

am at home and I feel sad, I can’t wait until the next day when I can come to camp and smile again.” This interaction made me realize just how much our students appreciate this opportunity and how the summer camp affects students in so many different ways.”

“The LEAP into Literacy Summer Camp provides our students with numerous advantages and benefits. Camp immerses students in rich literacy tasks and continues to build skills and proficiency in the areas of greatest need. In the fall, LEAP students return to school with more confidence and skills in the areas of reading and writing. This program has allowed our students to reinforce their reading and writing skills, build meaningful relationships and have access to opportunities that are out of reach for many of our campers. I am truly proud to be part of such an incredible program that deeply cares about the success of our students and I am sincerely grateful to the donors who have helped our students to live their dreams and discover their full potential.”

Meet our Greenwood College Student Mentors

Heather Rotz: “I would say that my time with the Woburn-Trails program allowed me to develop more as a leader and to get the opportunity to share my passion for nature and the outdoors with children that wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to experience it.”

We have been fortunate to have four outstanding Greenwood College Mentors working on a pilot outdoor education program this past year. Heather Rotz, Mason Huycke, Jordan Gangbar and Julia Pepler are four fantastic students who gave up their time to work with the Grade Five students from Woburn Jr. Public School. Th is program involved leading through self-discovery using the Trails outdoor education program and facilities in Newmarket. Students participated in three outdoor experiences (Fall, Winter, Spring) with their Greenwood mentors and were able to experience things such as snow shoeing, yoga, forest walks and shelter building together. Th e Greenwood

mentors visited the Grade Five classrooms for follow-up refl ection and discussion sessions in the weeks between the outdoor education excursions. Th is program was a huge success on all accounts and we’re excited to be able to continue it this upcoming year.

Julia Pepler:“ Watching the enthusiasm and excitement of the Grade 5s from Woburn Public School created a positive and educational atmosphere during our visits at Trails. With each visit they brought bigger smiles and better stories. Th roughout the year each student grew with their understanding and relationship with nature and their peers. Th e bond that was created between students, staff and leaders was the strongest type of bond; friendship and respect.”

2011 Grants and activities

Grants to TOH AfricaPrograms $448 523

Grants to TOH Toronto Programs $222 611

Administration $96 466

Indirect Fundraising, Marketing & Events $79 097

Other $33 886

Excess of Revenue over Expenses $154, 254

2011 revenue

Membership and Donations $857 647

Events & Other Income $228 275

$1 085 922

Direct Event Expenses -$82 958

Net Revenue $ 1 002 964

2011 Financial Report

cost accountabilityWhen our donors invest in us, they know we are accountable for the prudent use of donor funds. In 2010-2011, 90 cents of every dollar in revenue was invested in the priorities of Triangle of Hope programs

Meet The Leacock Board of Governors Peter Oliver • PRESIDEnT

Mark Damelin • CHAIR Bob Sommerville • TREASuRER

Dan McAlister • MEMbERSHIP CO-CHAIR

Joe Sheehan • MEMbERSHIP CO-CHAIR

Karrie Weinstock • EDuCATIOn CHAIR

Suzanna Dalrymple • YPL CHAIR

Wendy Dobson • DIRECTOR

Robert Lawrie • DIRECTOR

Joanne Pickard • DIRECTOR

Tim Price • DIRECTOR

Lousie Temerty • DIRECTOR

Vernon Achber • DIRECTOR

Meet The Leacock Foundation Staff

We must begin by thanking the most important people to this organization, the wonderful

children that we are privileged to work with. Clearly none of this would be possible without your

generous donations and the tremendous dedication of all those involved with the programs.

Thank you for your continued support of The Leacock Foundation and the Triangle of Hope

programs. You truly are making a difference in the lives of youth in need.

Sincerely,

Lindsay Dutton, Judy MacLellan and Elizabeth Tutsch

T he Le acock FoundaT ion

1560 bayview Avenue, Suite 205

Toronto On, M4G 3b8

P: 416-489-9309 F: 416-489-9398

www.leacockfoundation.org